State Of The Budget: 12/3/13

Well, there goes the budget. The Yankees just went nuts and paid $169 million for Ellsbury, as well as grabbing McCann for $85 million. The Winter Meetings haven’t even arrived yet!

So on one hand, the budget is still doable, it’s tough but doable. On the other, maybe this was a bluff the whole time. Like 2008, the team looks ready so spend, and the free agent market is full of quality players. Maybe they figured that this was the offseason to spend big, and the $189 million claims were their way of gaining an upper-hand on unsuspecting teams.

So the Yankees still have $37 million left to figure out second base, third base, and the rest of their pitching staff. This obviously doesn’t include Rodriguez. I don’t think $189 million is happening.

UPDATE (12/4/13): Looks like the Yankees will agree to a $3 million deal with Kelly Johnson. I’ve added those figures as well. Just $34 million left. Also, if there’s any confusion over the calculations, please refer to the original budget post, which has the details for the 15 40-man roster players, the cash considerations, and minimum salaries.